The Brisbane Lions today advised Jesse O’Brien that he would not be offered a new contract for 2014 as the Club prepares to welcome a host of Draft picks next month.

O’Brien was informed by the Club ahead of the first official list lodgements for next season, which need to be submitted to the AFL this Thursday.

He departs after playing 17 games in four seasons with the Lions.

Originally recruited from North Adelaide with Pick No.73 at the 2009 AFL National Draft, the 22-year-old had more than his fair share of injury setbacks throughout his time at the Club.

But after battling a persistent groin complaint, O’Brien returned to senior AFL football for the first time in 18 months when he was recalled to the side in Round 19 earlier this year.

He went on to play a key role in the Lions Reserves’ NEAFL premiership campaign, winning the Andrew Ireland Medal as the best afield in the Cross-Conference Championship against the Sydney Swans.

Lions General Manager – Football Operations, Dean Warren, acknowledged O’Brien’s contribution to the Club.

“Following the Trade Period, it became apparent that we would need to find another spot on our list so that we could potentially use our six selections inside the second round of the upcoming Draft,” Warren said.

“Unfortunately Jesse was a casualty of the list management process, however we wish him all the best with his future football career and thank him for his contribution.

“Jesse has overcome plenty of adversity in his short time at the Club, and I have no doubt that he’ll bounce back from this latest setback.”